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I just saw a repeat of a "Catalyst" report on the toxicity of ultra fine particles in air pollutants.
The key concern for me is the higher level of fine and ultra fine particles in diesel emissions. The report seemed to argue that the size of particles in the research was important, rather than just the intrinsic toxicity of the chemicals that the pollutants are composed from. The report argued that the particles pass through the lungs into the immune system, perhaps causing a far wider range of diseases than the often reported respiratory diseases.
For me, this raised the possibilty that biodiesel emissions could be far more toxic than many people are aware.
I would certainly like to see more research on the issue considering that I have followed every mechanic's advice and warmed up my old diesel engine in the back yard.
While I'm doing this I have a two year old playing in the very same backyard!
If biodiesel turns out to be more toxic than proponents of biodiesel have indicated, I will be one very unhappy person.
I am also very keen to hear a convincing argument about why petro-diesel is so often promoted as being more environmentally friendly than petrol, other than being a more economical fuel. It also seems to me that any potential gains in economy can be lost in comparison to a sedan because the majority of diesel passenger vehicles in AustraIia are light trucks or four wheel drives. If diesel is more toxic and fueling heavier passenger vehicles then where are the great environmental gains?
The key concern for me is the higher level of fine and ultra fine particles in diesel emissions. The report seemed to argue that the size of particles in the research was important, rather than just the intrinsic toxicity of the chemicals that the pollutants are composed from. The report argued that the particles pass through the lungs into the immune system, perhaps causing a far wider range of diseases than the often reported respiratory diseases.
For me, this raised the possibilty that biodiesel emissions could be far more toxic than many people are aware.
I would certainly like to see more research on the issue considering that I have followed every mechanic's advice and warmed up my old diesel engine in the back yard.
While I'm doing this I have a two year old playing in the very same backyard!
If biodiesel turns out to be more toxic than proponents of biodiesel have indicated, I will be one very unhappy person.
I am also very keen to hear a convincing argument about why petro-diesel is so often promoted as being more environmentally friendly than petrol, other than being a more economical fuel. It also seems to me that any potential gains in economy can be lost in comparison to a sedan because the majority of diesel passenger vehicles in AustraIia are light trucks or four wheel drives. If diesel is more toxic and fueling heavier passenger vehicles then where are the great environmental gains?
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